Check out this link. It discusses the recent advances in neuroscience that could lead to 'artificial courage'. Think about the consequences of such a break through. As a Mormon, I was taught that this life is a test, and we are here for that purpose. What if we were able to turn on or off our petty human weaknesses at will? Inject our brain with courage. Increase our compassion and empathy. Turn off our sexual desires at whim. Decrease our anger by popping a pill. The meaning of sin would take on a whole new meaning. Religions would have to condemn the practice and look foolish, or embrace it and thereby make much of their doctrines obsolete. The idea of this life being a "test" to prove our worthiness to God would almost become meaningless.
For Mormons to consider:
In the world of the future, where we have total control over our biological weaknesses and our "natural man", will you be willing to admit that your religious ideas might possibly be wrong? And if you are willing to doubt your beliefs in this future scenario, would you be willing to consider you might be wrong as time marches on, and our technology brings us closer and closer to this realization? As your life continues, I hope you ponder upon the consequences of each new breakthrough in the field of genetics and biology and its relation to your faith.
So next time you get scared about speaking in front of a crowd, or you jump in fear of a barking dog, think about injecting your brain with some courage! And remember: this is only the beginning.
I think people would naturally be concerned with the idea that a scientist or doctor could mess with your emotions, tinker with your memories, and insert new ideas. Mormons would probably say it is the plan of the devil.
ReplyDeleteBut if we freely choose to enhance our brains and overcome our selfishness, our depression, our OCD, our stupidity... I don't think anyone can find anything wrong with that.
It would be great if the enhancements were not externally imposed. For example:
Have you ever meditated deeply in order to change your inner state of mind? I have tried going into these states and I have been able to reprogram my brain. For example using meditation I was able to calm down in the face of a perceived danger. I have had experiences like this, and I think it would be awesome if this type of meditative experience could be enhanced by technology so that we can 1) enter into a meditative state quicker 2) become more easily aware of the faulty programming 3) see our thought processes in deeper clarity with a wider perspective 4) reprogram our brains with higher accuracy and faster results 5) receive feedback from our brains to enhance our ability to reprogram them.
Without the above technology, meditation can take years of conscious effort to bring the desired results. Even simple habits are difficult to break, and can take weeks of concerted effort. Even after a habit is broken our brains are so faulty that they will easily lapse back into the old habits. What's more is our brains have a difficult time becoming fully aware of what neural circuitry is causing the problem, and fixing it is sometimes so difficult, we need to take external therapy.
Although enhanced meditative and awareness technology would be neat, it still begs the question: Why weren't we designed that way in the first place? If technology can overcome "the fall of Adam", then there was no fall -- just a bad design and lack of technology.
To show you how stupid our brains are, take a look at this random article: http://www.articlesbase.com/mens-health-articles/how-i-finally-managed-to-conquer-sex-addiction-after-30-years-of-failure-900154.html
Thanks for your comment Chris! I agree, the type of "self enhancement" technology would be best used on increasing our ability to change ourselves rather than have instant fixes. It would feel like we are much more in control of our lives and give a sense of satisfaction that cannot be found with a quick fix. Unless of course we give ourselves the "satisfaction" pill.
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